Hotel California is in the perfect location, right in Albufeira’s historical centre, only 300m from Pescadores Beach and mere steps away from the city centre with its vast array of bars, restaurants and shops. This completely renovated, four-star hotel has unveiled a new, adults-only concept (guests over the age of 18). The hotel’s modern, sophisticated feel extends into every one of its 80 rooms, which are distributed over nine floors. Relax and make the most of your holidays in the Hotel California Spa, where you can have a couples massage in a private room and relax in our steam room or heated indoor pool. Bask in the Algarve sun next to our outdoor pool and savour cocktails and snacks while enjoying a fantastic view over the city of Albufeira. Our Pool Bar and Lounge Bar are also perfect places to try typical dishes from the Algarve. You can expect an excellent service provided by our multilingual staff who are committed to providing you with an incredible stay in the Algarve.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
City View
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German and 1 more
Location
Rua Joaquim Pedro Samora No. 2, Albufeira 8200-145 Portugal
Name/address in local language
Hotel California Urban Beach
179 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Hotel California Urban Beach boasts an impeccable level of cleanliness, as guests consistently commend the spotless rooms and well-maintained pool area. However, some travelers have expressed concerns over the small and noisy rooms, which lack ample storage and privacy. While the central location is a highlight for many, the vibrant atmosphere comes with a caveat of high noise levels, particularly during peak times.
Guests are split on service quality, with some praising the attentive staff, yet others pointing out inefficiencies. The amenities, including the pool, are popular, though issues with noise persist there as well. Despite these amenities, some reviewers question the hotel's overall value, citing various concerns that detract from their experience.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Rowdy
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Relaxing
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Why this hotel is listed as a 4 Star is beyond me, the room that my wife and I stayed in for 10 days was not fit for purpose. The room was an adequate size but there was absolutely no room to store any of our stuff. There was a very small clothes rail directly above the coffee machine and 2 small drawers. That was it, we spent 10 days with most of our clothes still in our cases and the cases used as bedside tables. The shower let water run out of the shower room and into the toilet area and passageway and there was no bath mat provided to prevent this. The toilet cubicle was constructed of frosted glass so anyone sat on the loo could be seen quite clearly from the bed. Also there was no worktop space whatsoever for my wife to do her hair or apply makeup to go out in the evenings. We asked to move rooms but were told that the only room available would cost an extra €50 per night !! We spoke to Christiano the Jet2 rep who immediately went on the defensive and wouldn’t admit that the room was not fit for purpose, when he realised that he was wrong he announced that he needed to take an important phone call and disappeared into the corridor never to be seen again, very unprofessional !!! This hotel appears to have been designed with fashion and style in mind instead of any functionality. This hotel should not be listed as 4 star and I would definitely not recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely loved this hotel! We stayed B&B with a large size room, we booked as a package with Jet2 but agree with other comments that if you only book room only you will probably find breakfast cheaper outside hotel, saying that however we found the breakfast lovely & plentiful, they have fresh natural juices on offer & even Cava if you fancy a glass of fizz in the morning! In addition to the continental & hot breakfast they also have a healthy corner with yoghurt & plenty of fruit.
The hotel itself is spotlessly clean everywhere, in fact I would go as far as saying the pool toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever been to! Staff take much pride in keeping the whole place clean & tidy day & night which is a real credit to this place.
Staff…. Well all I can say is that they are fantastic & really make this hotel! Every single staff member were so welcoming, polite, friendly & most of all happy, they even get to know what you like to drink haha so don’t even need to tell them. They serve you at the pool area & even walk around the pool area & sunbeds regularly to make sure everyone is ok & take drink/food orders, you don’t even need to get up!
Excellent pool area, never had a problem finding a bed. Pool towels are supplied but also a big fluffy sunbed towel. As soon as someone has finished with their bed staff are straight on it by removing old towels & replacing with new so you know it’s available! Fab tunes played through the day, we even had live entertainment such as a DJ & saxophone player in the day. Nice pool snacks such as wraps/pizza/burgers/salads- all lovely.
Hotel yes is right on the strip & as this was our first time to Abufiera we were a bit concerned about the noise, didn’t need to be however as the soundproofing is fab, yes you can still hear it but it’s muffled, we didn’t have any problems sleeping & no earplugs needed lol. Very safe as you need a key card to access hotel so not just anyone can enter, also cameras around hotel too.
Overall fantastic stay, a big well done to all the staff here as I’m a strong believer that despite the surroundings (even though here they are great) the staff are the ground making & these definitely go above & beyond!!!
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The noise, if you are looking for a quite relaxing place to chill after a busy day this is not for you, the main entrance is smack bang in the middle of party street and at night late in the evening it was hard to get into the hotel without having to walk through a drunken mess.
2 - we were not blessed with good weather so the swimming pool was freezing, just be warned it is like jumping into a ice bath, it will be okay though once the weather gets hot but we were literally the only people that got in.
3 - it is very high up, the higher you go the better it is to be able to sleep however it also comes with wind and unfortunately we had no comfort on our balcony due to it being windy.
4. Rooms are a little bit small for storage
Now for the positives
If you are late teens or early 20s and love to drink, this place will suit you down to the ground, it is perfect.
The staff are lovely, they don’t take any crap from people Messing or causing trouble, we saw one guy being kicked out, however if you treat them and the place with respect you will get it back and have an enjoyable stay
The place is so clean you could eat off the floor, rooms are also cleaned every day.
You only have to walk out the door to find a spar and pub restaurant central
The beach is literally a 2 minute walk away.
It is very safe.
They have a nice pool side bar that plays music all day.
You don’t even need to bring a towel, the hotel provides lovely big blue towels, perfect for the pool.
Grab your sunbeds early they will be snapped up.
Hotel has a cool free indoor heated pool with a steam room, you can’t swim in it as it is too shallow however it has lovely jacuzzis in it
Uber is brilliant use it everywhere you need to go, very cheap.
Visit Vilamoura Marine & Zoomarine they are brilliant
Last but not least, best advice is to not use the hotel taxi service, it is over priced, local taxis are much cheaper, if you do choose to use it for pick up it is €50 one way, get an Uber back to the airport for only €35
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Hotel California Urban Beach in July, and while its central location in Old Town is fantastic, I wouldn’t stay here again during high season. The positives included the following: the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the beach, about 1km from the Marina, and within walking distance (via escalator!) of the Strip. It’s adults-only, with a minimalist and clean décor. The rooftop pool was lovely, and the staff were consistently friendly and helpful throughout our stay. There's also a handy laundry room. We had a couples' massage in the spa, and this was also really nice.
The rooms are comfortable but simple. The bathroom setup, with smoked glass separating the shower and toilet from the bedroom, and no shower door, might not suit everyone, depending on how comfortable you are with your travel partner!
However, the noise was a huge drawback. Old Town has become more of a hotspot for the younger crowd than it used to be, and loud music from nearby bars lasted until 4 am every night. Even with earplugs, I found it difficult to sleep. The rooftop pool also became quite rowdy at times, which took away from the relaxing atmosphere.
I’d recommend visiting outside peak season—a friend who stayed in February had a much quieter experience, and if I was ever going back to Albufeira in the off season, I'd be happy to stay there. However, at this price point, I'd like to be able to sleep at night! Also, while very close to the see, the hotel does not have any sea views.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Ask for a quiet room!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Nice hotel, very well located with a nice swimming pool and lovely sunbeds, where you can drink delicious drinks and eat snacks by the pool. Staff are super friendly, nothing is too much for them. We had an L room, big enough, with a nice balcony. But it's a shame that there is hardly any room to hang your clothes. The shower also drains past the door, causing water to flow into the room. Bed is good but squeaks terribly with the slightest movement. We had a nice holiday!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are just back from staying here for a week. The staff at the hotel is always so pleasant and helpful, the hotel is very clean with rooms done everyday and fresh towels everyday and the bed is the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in away on holiday! We stayed in room 508 we could hear the music from the street but not enough to keep us awake we could still sleep. I had lunch a few days from the pool bar and it was beautiful. We would definitely stay here again when back in Albufeira as it was so close to everything.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Music starts at 7pm and goes on till 4am on the road out side and then the hotel blasts music out by the pool from 9.30am until 6pm
This is a silent time of just 5.5 hours, they say the rooms are soundproof but they are not. You can hear the music LOUD and clear.
It says it’s a 4 star but I would rate it 3 at most, no concierge, breakfast is ok but the bread is stale and you wait till you’ve nearly finished your breakfast until you get any eggs you’ve ordered.
Rooms are clean but the bathroom is tiny and the shower leaks all over the room. It is just a small glass partition in the corner of the room with frosted glass and you can hear everything your partner is doing.
We asked to change room as soon as we got in ours but was told they are all the same and all back in to the old town bar street.
I have had probably 8 hours of sleep in three days which was during the day. We were so drained from the nights music that one day we never left the room except to eat from lack of sleep wouldn’t stay this hotel if it was free and I was homeless.
The hotel says they can do nothing about the music but they state it’s sound proof which is a massive lie.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Don’t book here unless you are out all night and can sleep through loud music in the day
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been to Albuferia several times and therefore knew the exact location of the hotel so we were prepared and took earplugs!!
We had an XL Double room which was lovely! Nice decor, spotlessly clean and a lovely long balcony. Our room didn’t face directly onto the strip so the noise (until 4.30am) was muffled.
We had room only as we thought €17 euros pp for breakfast was a bit steep. Just round the corner on the beach (turn right out of the hotel towards the beach) Cabana Fresca €4.50 for full English breakfast which was lovely.
Bar staff were lovely and very attentive the pool area was lovely and clean. Pool towels supplied and further double towels for the sun beds.
Location is fantastic you step out right in the middle of the strip. Hotel felt safe and secure as entry was by keycard which you also needed to operate the lift. Loads of bars and restaurants with a very short walk to the beach.
We will definitely be back as a couple and with friends!
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked a week here with easyjet,when getting transfer to hotel you get dropped at local bus stop 10min walk away as buses unable to reach hotel due to narrow and steep road hotel is situated on .At 1am arrival would just recommend getting a uber from airport quicker and half the price of official taxis. We stayed on 5th floor, room very small but perfect, nice touches with nepesso coffee machine and rituals toiletries,all white interior modern and boutique. There are 2 entrances to the hotel floor 8 leads out onto old town ,and floor 1 onto 'bar alley' ,which during the night can be very noisy,the noise stops about 3am ,first couple nights had trouble sleeping but then you sort of get used to the noise.Ear plugs are provided by hotel. Nice pool area and breakfast was varied and delicious. You get a €5 credit if you skip a day getting the room cleaned which can be redeemed in the bar. Overall really enjoy our stay in this hotel and would return
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded Aug 4, 2022
Dear guest, thank you for your comment, we are very happy to know that our work to provide you with a good stay has worked. We hope to see you soon. Best regards, Luciano Hagge, Hotel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As the title says… We had to check out after 2 days and paid for another hotel… I am going to be completely honest here…
I realised the destination when booking as we love nightlife.. but I also believed in the room description’soundproof’ room… There is no soundproofing! Our first room smelt of bad drains as soon as you opened the door, room 309 The ‘terrace’ was a painted floor with concrete walks and faux plants so it really was claustrophobic and totally closed in..
We went to reception and was shown another room which we accepted as nothing else available , Room 304… Apparently an upgrade and an extra 70 euros…
Much bigger, no smell, could hear some music but nothing we considered bad… But oh boy, the volume goes right up later and continues till 4am! I’ve worked in bars and nightclubs but this is another level! Balcony view is the Main Street and all the aircon units… After the second night of zero sleep, a bed that vibrated with the music and squeaked every time one of us moved we had no choice but to leave ! Room 304, frosted glass toilet walls right next to your bed! Could literally see everything and hear everything! Shower leaked into the room… One chair between us…
Breakfast, this is served on the roof pool terrace … Great selection of food here, lots of healthy options too.. all outdoors some are with cover…
The floor covering in this area was stained and filthy, not a pleasant breakfast experience in all honesty…
To conclude, if you love been out all night every night this is the hotel for you.. If you want some occasional sleep and to fight over the one pair of earplugs supplied in your room… then it’s not for you … Reception didn’t even respond when we checked out 5 days early, I told them it was just too loud for anything, there was no response! I suspect they hear this a lot.. The Uber driver said’ ah yes it’s for the young people’ At 57 I don’t consider myself past it for a good night out, but I also want to sleep before 4am sometimes 😕
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:For all the party people out there…
This is for you…
If you need any sleep at all…
This is...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Luciano Hagge, General Manager at Hotel California Urban Beach
Responded Sep 26, 2023
Dear guest, Thank you for review. We are sorry to know that we didn't meet your expectations. Our hotel is located in the heart of Albufeira, and for that reason, very central and close to every different services that our guests may need. We understand that for noise sensitive people, our location may not be as suitable as expected. Best regards, California Urban Beach Hotel Luciano Hagge Hotel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Albufeira area.
PRICE RANGE
$126 - $233 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
california hotel albufeira, hotel california albufeira
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
The New Califórnia Hotel
LOCATION
PortugalAlgarveFaro DistrictAlbufeira
NUMBER OF ROOMS
80
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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